Jefferson County Open Space is reviewing and working toward an update of its current Yielding Regulation for all trail users. User feedback has expressed that the current regulation is vague and unclear.To address and clarify user safety, a draft regulation is available below for review.It is important to note that the existing regulation continues to be enforced across the Open Space system during the update process.

DRAFT Yielding Regulations
6.4.1.C.25. Failure to Yield Right-of-way:
For the safety of park users, all users must yield the right-of-way to equestrians; bicyclists and other wheeled users must also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

6.4.1.C.26. Passing on Trails:

• C.26.a. Natural Surface Trails:At no less than ten (10) feet of approaching another trail user from any direction, slow to a walking pace, communicate and gain the attention of the user being passed. Pass single file at no more than five (5) miles per hour when oncoming traffic is clear. Stop when necessary to allow passage.When the lateral distance between you and the user(s) being passed is greater than five (5) feet without leaving the trail, you are required to slow down, communicate and gain the attention of the user being passed, and pass safely. Stop when necessary to allow passage. Obey posted speed limits.
• C.26.b. Concrete and Asphalt Trail: All trail users are required to stay right. Pass single file and on the left when oncoming traffic is clear. When passing other users from behind, communicate and gain the attention of the users being passed, and pass safely.

See the Open Space page to view the full letter and Yielding Regulation document.

Jefferson County Open Space is asking park users to respond by close of business on Monday, July 6, 2009, to the following question as it relates to the draft regulation language:

• Does the updated regulation reasonably address user safety, yielding expectations and understanding of protocols for you or your user group
  as an equestrian, pedestrian or bicyclist?

Replies may be mailed to Jefferson County Open Space, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO. 80401. Attention: Colleen Gadd, Supervisor of Visitor & Resource Protection. Or send by email with subject line "Yielding Regulation" to cgadd@jeffco.us. Again, please reply with any comments by close of business, Monday, July 6, 2009.

Once comments have been received, they will be reviewed and compiled for consideration. The Open Space Advisory Committee will be given a presentation ofan Information Item on this topic during the August 6, 2009, Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) meeting for discussion of the draft regulations, public comments and staff's draft recommendations.

No action will be taken until the Advisory Committee has before them an Action Item on the September 3, 2009, OSAC meeting to consider adoptingthe final recommendation and sending to the Board of County Commissioners for the Board's formal approval.